Crochet Bag Pattern

Way back in July, you may remember me making this bag. It's my own design, made on a whim and I was/am absurdly proud of it. It has received much admiration when I jaunt about with it on my shoulder, and it has proven to be a very practical bag for stashing yarn in. Very Crochety indeed.
I've had countless emails and requests for this pattern, and in truth I have been putting it off a little. Well more than a little, seeing as it is now more than three months down the line. I find writing patterns so daunting, but I will try to do my very best for you, to share this woolly baggy goodness with you all.

First some yarn info :: I used Debbie Bliss yarn, called Merino Aran. I got it in a sale, and it has now been discontinued, and I don't think there is an equivalent. It is not to be confused with her Cashmerino, which is softer and lighter. This Aran yarn is pure wool and quite thick, and is known as "aran weight", where as the Cashmerino is a DK weight. But really you can use whatever yarn tickles your fancy, just that the sizing might be smaller if you use a lighter weight yarn.
Hook size :: I used a 4mm hook. Even though it's supposed to be a 5mm hook size for this weight yarn, I used 4mm and it made the stitches quite tight, which turned out good for this type of bag.

Now before we begin, can we just clarify the difference between UK and US terms :: this bag is made using a UK treble crochet (tr) stitch, which is equivalent to US double (dc). For this pattern I am going to use UK terminology.
 
Begin by chaining 4 and joining to form a ring.

For the very first round you will work out of the central ring, but for all other rounds, work out of the stitches. When I work out of the stitches, I insert the hook through both loops of the stitch (as shown above), because I think it makes a stronger stitch. But you can just go through the back loop if thats what you're used to.

Round 1 :: chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 10 more treble stitches INTO THE RING.
Join with a slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3.
Don't fasten off, keep same colour. (you should have 11 stitches in your circle)

Round 2 :: slip stitch into first tr stitch to begin.
 Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then 1 tr into SAME STITCH.
*tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between **, making two tr's into each stitch.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off (you should now have 22 stitches in your circle)

Round 3 ::  join a new colour by knotting it tightly and leaving tails to darn in, then pull a loop through to the front (as shown above).
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next stitch, then tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between **, alternating between single and double tr's in each stitch.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 4 :: Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to front to begin.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next 2 stitches, tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between ** until you complete the round.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 5 :: Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to front to begin.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next 3 stitches, tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between ** until you complete the round.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 6 :: Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to front to begin.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next 4 stitches, tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between ** until you complete the round.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 7 :: Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to front to begin.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then tr into same stitch.
*tr once into next 5 stitches, tr twice into next stitch*.
Repeat between ** until you complete the round.
Slip stitch to 3rd chain of initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Can you see the pattern emerging here? Each round you increase the gap between the 2-tr stitches by 1.
You should be producing a reasonably flat circle which forms the bottom of the bag, and you can choose how big to make it. My bag has 14 of these increase rows in total, so in the final row 14, there should be 12 single tr's in between each 2-tr. Hope that makes sense.

Now when you're happy you have the size of bottom you require (!!), all you need to do is stop increasing, ie stop making any 2-tr stitches. In the picture above, my last increase round was the deep red colour :: the mustardy yellow  colour was then the first round with no increase, see?
Isn't this so easy?
All you do now is continue changing yarn colours and simply work tr stitches all the way round (I think its roughly 154 stitches for each round, I just counted on my bag). Remember to continue working with the outside/right side facing you, don't get confused and suddenly begin working from the inside like I did, cos it goes all wrong.
You can decide how deep you wish to make it :: my bag has 38 rows total :: 14 for the bottom, and 24 to make the sides.



SHELL EDGING
This is a lovely way to finish off the top of the bag, and is pretty easy to do. It only involves clusters of dc stitches and slip stitches, with gaps in between.
Make sure the outside of the bag is facing you, you are working the edging from the outside.
Join in a new colour and pull a loop through to the front to begin.
*Skip 2 stitches, then tr 7 times into the next stitch.
Skip 2 stitches, then slip stitch into the next stitch.*
Repeat between **



HANDLES
These can be as long or short as you like :: the ones I made measure 64cm long.
I wanted them quite tight and strong so I used long lines of Double Crochet (single crochet for US peeps).
So make a long chain the length you would like the handles to be, I think mine were roughly 95 stitches.
*Begin in 2nd chain from hook and work a row of dc to the end.
Now you can tie in a new colour if you like, or keep the one single colour.
Chain 2 and turn*.
Continue working rows of dc as above between **, making the straps as wide as you like (mine were 7 rows, 3cm wide).

I know it's obvious really, but don't forget you'll need to make two handles.

Position the handles on the bag (I spaced mine to have 4 "shell edgings" between each end of the handle (see top picture). Pin in place, overlapping the handle onto the outside of the bag by about 4cm or so. Stitch in place :: stitch thoroughly right round the end of the handle, as firmly as you can make it. You'll be able to cover up the stitching with a flower motif so don't worry too much about what it looks like, just make it strong.

The pattern for the crochet flowers and leaves that sit neatly at the base of the handles can be found HERE. The flowers add such a sweet finishing touch, but they also do a good job at covering up the stitching/base of the handles.

And there you have it. One crocheted bag.
I am absolutely crocheted out, my head hurts. I am seeing stars.
I hope for those of you who have waited for this pattern, that it was worth the wait, that it makes sense and that you might be inspired to give it a go.



Now I'm off to have a cup of tea and a rock bun and a weeny rest......I think I deserve it.

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xx Thank you xx

Comments

[Claudia]

Vermutlich wird die Tasche permanent mit Doppelstäbchen gehäkelt, auch wenn in Runde 4 nur Stäbchen steht. Das erste Stäbchen besteht hier auch aus 4 chains als Luftmaschen, was der Größe eines Doppelstäbchens entspricht.

[Lindsey]

Hello, this is my first time crocheting a bag. I was wondering what should I do after Rnd 7? Round 7 said to DC in next 5sts. Should I increase to 6sts in Round 8? What do I do after rnd 7? How many total of stitches are there after each round?

[Judy Marshall]

Hello Lucy, I really like this floppy bag pattern, and want to give it a go. I like the idea of storing my yarn in it. If I use stylecraft chunky yarn, how many balls of wool would I need and what size hook should I use? Thank you for your time and I’ll look forward to hearing from you. I always love your choice of colours.
Best wishes Judy

[Pamela]

Hi, how do you make the handles on the bag in the orginal photo? That one is made with one smooth continuous circle and not separate pieces sewn on. This is a gorgeous bag. I'd like to make the one in the photo I found on Pinterest.

[Joyce Coffey]

I downloadedd this pattern but was a bit disappointed to see that the handle portion is different. How can I get instructons that will take me through the handle project in the bag as in the original oicture (not a separate handle). Also,in reading the comments, there appears to be no answer to requests on the need to decrease stitches to have a straight column-type bag, not a "V" shape.

[[email protected]]

Bonjour j'aimerais savoir pour les augmentations je vais jusqu'à combien de mailles pour combien de rangs svp merci

[Maria]

This rainbow bag is so pretty. I wanted to start making my own stuff to save a bit of money and your tutorial is really helpful. I cannot even dare to look at the prices on Etsy for such a boho bag.

[Maria Velniceriu]

Amazing bag pattern. I have a week spot for bags but I never considered making one myself. After reading this tutorial I want to challenge my skills a bit.

[Portia Roberson]

This is with out a doubt the most prettiest Crochet bag I ever saw.
Im starting one tomorrow. Thanks again for sharing your pattern. Mrs portia Roberson

[Portia Roberson]

Hi I was wondering do you have a Crochet pattern for house Appliques I need some tall houses for my folk art blanket. Thanks Mrs Portia Roberson

[JayJay Jennings]

Love it!

[Ang]

Your lovely bag is on Wool Warehouse but sadly sold out :(
Could you please tell me if this will come back into stock again? :)

[Jan Hunter]

I wanted yarn that would stand up to the abuse that a bag goes through. I found it on Etsy. It is called Chunky Monkey, it is anti pilling, and it comes in all of Lucy’s colors. It does split at times but you just get used to it’s personality. It is tough but soft and perfect for bags. It is wonderful yarn and I plan to use it for this bag and many more. Fun to work with!

[Coromoto Ramírez]

Hola soy nueva haciendo crochet, que significa "tr" por favor.

[Karen Fretwell]

Hi there, I have a similar problem to the last comment. (June 11) Do you need to start decreasing at some point as my bag seems to be getting wider and not as cylindrical as yours?
Thank you.

[celeste]

Hi. There is something that i didn't understand. How is bag growing in v shape and not cylindrical after stopping to increase?

[Laura]

Hi-
Love the bag and would like to subscribe to your blog but the link doesn't work for me. Can you add me?

[Lucy @ Attic24]

Hi Maggie

I made this bag using an Aran weight yarn and a 4mm hook to keep the stitches nice and dense.

I used a pure wool, but any aran weight yarn would suit.

You will need approx. 400g in total.

Happy hooking!

Lucy xx

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[Maggie Millard]

Hi Lucy
I have just finished your Meadow blanket and love it. I would like to make this bag to keep my wool in but having looked at the yarn shop am unsure which to buy and how much. I would be grateful for any recommendations. Many thanks Maggie

[Anni stehr]

Så fin en hæklet taske. Men opskriften skal også være på dansk.

[Amna]

love these bags these are so good unique and royal

[Sonia Esteves Guerra]

Oi Lucy, sou de Rio Grande - RS - Brasil e adorei o seu trabalho. Parabéns. Um excelente Natal e Ano Novo. Um abraço. Sonia Guerra.

[Kylie Pearson]

My friend gave me the Jolly Bag pack for my birthday back in July. I love it!!
I love it so much, that I bought more yarn packs to make all my nieces jolly bags for Christmas this year.
I think they’ll love it as much as I will!

[Denise Dawson]

I’m doing your bag for my 14 year old grandaughter a friend of mine did one and I admired it .thank you.

[Denise Dawson]

My husband is from Yorkshire